GA 3/4 Bella AMPS 210 Now refusing all food! Has been reluctant to eat past several days. Help!

[JanetMR]

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...o-eat-with-lower-numbers.192020/#post-2143108

Bella has been in lower numbers since her dose increase to 1.75 units of Lantus 3/2
This seems great on paper,..however, she’s reluctant to eat.
Refusing cat food for the most part, all I can get in her is routisserie chicken pieces mixed with bits of 6% carb and sometimes 15% carb fancy feast.
Hand feeding her... takes a good deal of time
It seems like sometimes the routisserie chicken gives her loose stools.... so
I made plain chicken breasts, which she (of course) refused.
I’m at my wits end !
She’s already on cerenia 1/3-1/2 tab every day for retching/ nausea

She is sleeping a lot with minimal energy. Urine ketones negative .. checking as often as I can
I can’t keep this up!
Advice?

As of 3pm (+9) BG 259 refusing all food. I’ve tried everything.

 

[Stacy & Asia]

The numbers are getting where they need to be and Bella obviously isn't too happy about it...yet! The sleeping a lot with minimal energy is exactly what Asia went through when she was getting used to lower numbers. This part is somewhat a waiting game until her body decides this is okay.

The super frustrating part is that she doesn't want to eat well either. You are doing a great job making sure she gets something, anything, in her tummy. Hopefully she will come around really soon.

I think Bobbie And Bubba had some trouble with Bubba in lower numbers more similar to what you described. She is on vacation, but I will tag her for you when she returns. Maybe she has some tricks to share.

She also could be dealing with hidden infection (like her teeth). I can speak first hand about that, Asia had tooth resorption and it almost killed her, she had to have several teeth extracted. It took a good many weeks of her being ill and continuing to fade until we figured out it was her teeth. @Sean & Rufus recently had a dental too, even after more than one vet said the teeth looked okay. X-rays tell a different story. Now Rufus is needing a lot less insulin. I think Rufus is also still having some eating troubles as well which may or may not be related to lower numbers, could be allergies, etc.

Would be worthwhile to pop a ? in your title and ask for others experiences with inappetence in lower numbers. The best thing about this board is the massive amount of collective wisdom, leverage that.

 

[Dyana]

I'm glad she's eating something, and that her ketones are negative.
I guess you've tried the FF Chunky Chicken and the FF Roasted Chicken, and the turkey varieties.
I'm sorry things are feeling difficult for you, right now.
Sending eat your cat food vines to Bella

 

[Sean & Rufus]

Rufus was miserable in lower numbers up until about 3 days ago, so about a week and a half. Slept all day, very inappentant. I was stressed too thinking why if he's in better #'s does he seem worse. How much does Bella weigh? Again, maybe try to get some ondansteron from your vet and see if that works.

 

[JanetMR]

Rufus was miserable in lower numbers up until about 3 days ago, so about a week and a half. Slept all day, very inappentant. I was stressed too thinking why if he's in better #'s does he seem worse. How much does Bella weigh? Again, maybe try to get some ondansteron from your vet and see if that works.

She’s 11 pounds

 

[JanetMR]

The numbers are getting where they need to be and Bella obviously isn't too happy about it...yet! The sleeping a lot with minimal energy is exactly what Asia went through when she was getting used to lower numbers. This part is somewhat a waiting game until her body decides this is okay.

The super frustrating part is that she doesn't want to eat well either. You are doing a great job making sure she gets something, anything, in her tummy. Hopefully she will come around really soon.

I think Bobbie And Bubba had some trouble with Bubba in lower numbers more similar to what you described. She is on vacation, but I will tag her for you when she returns. Maybe she has some tricks to share.

She also could be dealing with hidden infection (like her teeth). I can speak first hand about that, Asia had tooth resorption and it almost killed her, she had to have several teeth extracted. It took a good many weeks of her being ill and continuing to fade until we figured out it was her teeth. @Sean & Rufus recently had a dental too, even after more than one vet said the teeth looked okay. X-rays tell a different story. Now Rufus is needing a lot less insulin. I think Rufus is also still having some eating troubles as well which may or may not be related to lower numbers, could be allergies, etc.

Would be worthwhile to pop a ? in your title and ask for others experiences with inappetence in lower numbers. The best thing about this board is the massive amount of collective wisdom, leverage that.

Thank you
Any advice appreciated.
Heading out to buy another chicken...

 

[JanetMR]

I'm glad she's eating something, and that her ketones are negative.
I guess you've tried the FF Chunky Chicken and the FF Roasted Chicken, and the turkey varieties.
I'm sorry things are feeling difficult for you, right now.
Sending eat your cat food vines to Bella

I have tried those and many other varieties...
My kitchen counter was littered with can after can. I tried warming it, I sprinkled it with fd chicken pieces.... you name it I tried it.

 

[MJW]

Yum was also miserable and inappetent on suddenly lower numbers. I let it go for a while and then it turned out she had a kidney infection.
I don't mean to scare you, but it wouldn't hurt to get some blood work done.

 

[JanetMR]

Yum was also miserable and inappetent on suddenly lower numbers. I let it go for a while and then it turned out she had a kidney infection.
I don't mean to scare you, but it wouldn't hurt to get some blood work done.

She’s had recent blood work done.
This lack of appetite has been a past problem
for Bella. She doesn’t like lower numbers....

 

[JanetMR]

The numbers are getting where they need to be and Bella obviously isn't too happy about it...yet! The sleeping a lot with minimal energy is exactly what Asia went through when she was getting used to lower numbers. This part is somewhat a waiting game until her body decides this is okay.

The super frustrating part is that she doesn't want to eat well either. You are doing a great job making sure she gets something, anything, in her tummy. Hopefully she will come around really soon.

I think Bobbie And Bubba had some trouble with Bubba in lower numbers more similar to what you described. She is on vacation, but I will tag her for you when she returns. Maybe she has some tricks to share.

She also could be dealing with hidden infection (like her teeth). I can speak first hand about that, Asia had tooth resorption and it almost killed her, she had to have several teeth extracted. It took a good many weeks of her being ill and continuing to fade until we figured out it was her teeth. @Sean & Rufus recently had a dental too, even after more than one vet said the teeth looked okay. X-rays tell a different story. Now Rufus is needing a lot less insulin. I think Rufus is also still having some eating troubles as well which may or may not be related to lower numbers, could be allergies, etc.

Would be worthwhile to pop a ? in your title and ask for others experiences with inappetence in lower numbers. The best thing about this board is the massive amount of collective wisdom, leverage that.

3pm (+9) BG 259 now she is refusing all food
I’m at my wits end
What should I do?

 

[Sean & Rufus]

How much has she eaten today? Yesterday?

 

[JanetMR]

How much has she eaten today? Yesterday?

She’s last ate at 12 noon (+6) about 2-3 tbs routisserie chicken ( all I could get in her) she’s had probably half of what she normal eats yesterday and today.
Hiding under the bed/no energy
Refusing all food this afternoon
I don’t know what to do
What about insulin?

 

[Steph & Quintus & L & O]

Some questions to try and understand the situation better:

How long since her cerenia? Maybe up that dose?
What proportion of her "normal" helping of food has she had over the last days?

I'd say you want some insulin, because not eating + no insulin + whatever else might be going on could be a recipe for ketones.

How much of an option is getting her to the vet to get her on a drip? would that be worse than how things are going now? (depends on how she copes with the vet and how the vet is)

When was the blood work done? Before the appetite problems showed up?

Is she overweight, underweight, or ok-weight?

 

[Steph & Quintus & L & O]

Do we know where the nausea is coming from? Was she tested for pancreatitis?

ETA: It could be possible that the "diabetes hunger" has been masking some other condition she has that is cutting into her appetite. Now that the numbers are lower the FD appetite is waning and we're seeing what's underneath. The first thing I think of, personally, is pancreatitis. Does she seem to have a tummy ache? To check for pancreatitis you would do a Spec fPL blood test.

 

[JanetMR]

Some questions to try and understand the situation better:

How long since her cerenia? Maybe up that dose?
What proportion of her "normal" helping of food has she had over the last days?

I'd say you want some insulin, because not eating + no insulin + whatever else might be going on could be a recipe for ketones.

How much of an option is getting her to the vet to get her on a drip? would that be worse than how things are going now? (depends on how she copes with the vet and how the vet is)

When was the blood work done? Before the appetite problems showed up?

Is she overweight, underweight, or ok-weight?

She last had a cerenia last night at 7pm
( due in another 1 1/2 hours)
The vet did a spl for pancreatitis last week it was normal
She’s 11 pounds lost a bit prior to diagnosis 12/23/17
She was 13
She’s eaten mostly routisserie chicken mixed with small portions of her 6% canned food. I’d say she’s eaten half of what she normally does.. but it’s been a struggle
Vet visit is out.. we’re finacially strapped at present
( my husband is completely done with all of this) I’m pretty close behind
She has had blood work done At diagnosis and then about a month ago it’s with her spread sheet info
If she doesn’t eat at PMPS give a lower dose?????

This is so discouraging after such hard work with this sweet girl

 

[Steph & Quintus & L & O]

If she’s eating half, then depending on her numbers shoot either a reduced or normal dose? She’s still in the yellows so has some way to go before ending up in the lime greens. Would you be able to monitor?
Is she drinking enough?

I need to head to bed (11pm, up at 5.30) but I hope somebody can pick up and help you through this! Maybe @Stacy & Asia is around?

 

[JanetMR]

If she’s eating half, then depending on her numbers shoot either a reduced or normal dose? She’s still in the yellows so has some way to go before ending up in the lime greens. Would you be able to monitor?
Is she drinking enough?

I need to head to bed (11pm, up at 5.30) but I hope somebody can pick up and help you through this! Maybe @Stacy & Asia is around?

Thank you

 

[Beth 73]

At this point with any of my kitties I syringe feed chicken or turkey Gerbers 2nd baby food ... 2 teaspoons at a time ... slowly ... also slowly syringe water 1-2 teaspoons ...

 

[Stacy & Asia]

With ketones in the mix, I wouldn't risk not giving any insulin. @Sandy and Black Kitty might have a suggestion for how much.

Eating half of what she normally eats, while not ideal, is better than just refusing to eat. I hope when you can give cerenia again it may help. Have you tried meat baby food? That seems to work for a lot of people, make sure it contains no onions or extra stuff, just turkey or chicken or whatever.

 

[Stacy & Asia]

Also, while a vet visit may not be an option right at this time, can you call your vet and explain the situation? Maybe your vet could prescribe an appetite stimulant or some onda to help?

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Ondansetron and Cerenia target different nausea receptors. Sometimes one will work where the other wouldn't, or you may need to give both.

3pm (+9) BG 259 now she is refusing all food

Why are you feeding her after nadir? Feeding carbs after nadir can put the brakes on the insulin action. Let her go a little longer between feeds, and she may be more inclined to eat at preshot time.

Cat's undergoing anethesia, who cannot eat, usually get 1/2 dose of insulin. Not all the insulin you give goes to counteract the carbs in food. How much above that depends on how much more food you think you can get in her. When Neko was being picky and running in the greens, I'd sometimes give her 8% carbs instead of her usual much lower carb food. But not now, wait until PS time.

Can you assist feed? Sometimes getting a little food in the tummy will "prime the pump".

 

[JanetMR]

Ondansetron and Cerenia target different nausea receptors. Sometimes one will work where the other wouldn't, or you may need to give both.

Why are you feeding her after nadir? Feeding carbs after nadir can put the brakes on the insulin action. Let her go a little longer between feeds, and she may be more inclined to eat at preshot time.

Cat's undergoing anethesia, who cannot eat, usually get 1/2 dose of insulin. Not all the insulin you give goes to counteract the carbs in food. How much above that depends on how much more food you think you can get in her. When Neko was being picky and running in the greens, I'd sometimes give her 8% carbs instead of her usual much lower carb food. But not now, wait until PS time.

Can you assist feed? Sometimes getting a little food in the tummy will "prime the pump".

Don’t criticize me. I am doing the best I can
I feed her every three hours or so because she’s been needing that amount of food

She s now refusing all food
I’m going to give her 1 unit

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Not criticizing, just asking. Is she needing that amount of food because she's losing weight? I dealt with an inappetant Neko so just trying to give you tips that worked for me that maybe you haven't tried yet.

Good luck tonight.

 

[Stacy & Asia]

Don’t criticize me. I am doing the best I can
I feed her every three hours or so because she’s been needing that amount of food

She s now refusing all food
I’m going to give her 1 unit

Janet, I understand how stressed out you're feeling right now, but I promise Wendy is not criticizing you, I put out messages to get some experienced members to your condo to give you some ideas. It's a good idea to look at her feeding schedule to examine how and where you can tweak it to have it work for Bella. Does she eat more often because she vomits if she goes longer without feeding? Or has she just wanted more food than usual since diabetes diagnosis?

She may be slowing down appetite wise when her numbers get lower as a natural progression of diabetes being better controlled because she can utilize her food now and therefore needs less. Just something to consider and think back to long before her diabetes diagnosis, how much did she typically eat then? Like Wendy said, if she goes a little longer stretch without food, she may develop a better hunger response. These things are worth examining and playing with going forward now that the immediate threat of ketones and her wacky responses at first to insulin are further away.

I'm glad you gave her some insulin. I would still monitor her if you can, because of the depot, things may play out the same as if you gave the full amount. It will get better, Janet, you're doing great, some things just take a little more time.

 

[JanetMR]

Not criticizing, just asking. Is she needing that amount of food because she's losing weight? I dealt with an inappetant Neko so just trying to give you tips that worked for me that maybe you haven't tried yet.

Good luck tonight.

She had lost weight. What worked for her was feeding her what she wanted every three to four hours small amounts.. usually 1tbs - 1 ounce
Sometimes the way things are written come across as criticism.. especially to a burnt out caretaker

 

[Sandy and Black Kitty]

Hi there

Since you have successfully derailed the ketone development, I’m thinking now would be a good time to review her daily caloric intake (canned food only). Most cats do well with 150-250 calories per day.

Bella is at her ideal weight correct?

 

[MJW]

The vet techs got Yum to eat last week by using a tongue depressor to shove food into the top of her mouth.
After she got a few mouthfuls that way she started to eat for them.

 

[JanetMR]

The vet techs got Yum to eat last week by using a tongue depressor to shove food into the top of her mouth.
After she got a few mouthfuls that way she started to eat for them.

Yikes

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

The vet techs got Yum to eat last week by using a tongue depressor to shove food into the top of her mouth.
After she got a few mouthfuls that way she started to eat for them.

Some people do a similar trick with their finger (if their kitty is the cooperative sort and not likely to take the finger off).

During all the time you've had appy problems with Bella, have you ever tried an appetite stimulant like Mirtazapine or Cyproheptadine (most of us prefer the latter)? If not, would your vet be likely to give you some without a visit first, since I assume he/she is familiar with Bella's appy issues?

Janet, we totally get how stressed and exhausted you are. I'm sure your husband's frustration doesn't help you, either. Hang in there. We all want to help.

 

[JanetMR]

Some people do a similar trick with their finger (if their kitty is the cooperative sort and not likely to take the finger off).

During all the time you've had appy problems with Bella, have you ever tried an appetite stimulant like Mirtazapine or Cyproheptadine (most of us prefer the latter)? If not, would your vet be likely to give you some without a visit first, since I assume he/she is familiar with Bella's appy issues?

Janet, we totally get how stressed and exhausted you are. I'm sure your husband's frustration doesn't help you, either. Hang in there. We all want to help.

I’ve used mirtazapine in the past ( I actually have some left over from a past loss of appetite experience with Bella )as I understand it, if you have a cat with nausea issues, an appetite stimulant is contraindicated. Is that correct?

 

[JanetMR]

Hi there

Since you have successfully derailed the ketone development, I’m thinking now would be a good time to review her daily caloric intake (canned food only). Most cats do well with 150-250 calories per day.

Bella is at her ideal weight correct?

Hard to say.. she was 13 pounds prior to diagnosis.. she’s just over 11 pounds now. She’s “fluffy” medium haired so weight loss is hard to discern.

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

You might try finger-feeding meat baby food. Beechnut Stage 1 has no added onion; the chicken is good, as is the turkey; some cats like the ham. Bella might accept it from you feeding it to her, rather than just putting it into her dish.

Good luck! Rusty has never been food-motivated and I get him to finish his food by holding the bowl while sitting with him on the couch, watching TV.

 

[JanetMR]

You might try finger-feeding meat baby food. Beechnut Stage 1 has no added onion; the chicken is good, as is the turkey; some cats like the ham. Bella might accept it from you feeding it to her, rather than just putting it into her dish.

Good luck! Rusty has never been food-motivated and I get him to finish his food by holding the bowl while sitting with him on the couch, watching TV.

Thanks
I’ve tried all this and more
She will eat out of my hand most of the time when all else fails....today, none of that worked

 

[Sean & Rufus]

So sorry she is not eating well. I know sometimes when Rufus isn't eating well, and I try and try to get him to eat it gets worse. They can sense our frustration and can get scared. I think that she has probably eaten enough to get her dose (or half) and I would let her come to the food. I could be wrong in assessing the situation, but just want to help

 

[JanetMR]

So sorry she is not eating well. I know sometimes when Rufus isn't eating well, and I try and try to get him to eat it gets worse. They can sense our frustration and can get scared. I think that she has probably eaten enough to get her dose (or half) and I would let her come to the food. I could be wrong in assessing the situation, but just want to help

Thank you.
I appreciate your advice.
Yes, I think our cats do pick up on our “vibes”
Hard not to get emotionally involved ( actually impossible) we do the best that we can.

 

[Tracey&Jones (GA)]

Jones gets cerenia and an appy stim every day.

You can space them out. Cerenia first then the appy stim an hour later.

 

[JanetMR]

Jones gets cerenia and an appy stim every day.

You can space them out. Cerenia first then the appy stim an hour later.

Good to know
Thanks

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

I have some ondansetron and can mail you a few tomorrow . You can see if it makes a difference. send me a private message with your address. ( start a conversation by clicking on my name)
Meanwhile....
try to think out of the box.... ( er, can )

does she like cheese? scrambled egg? deli meat ( just no sugar ham) human can of tuna?

 

[JanetMR]

I have some ondansetron and can mail you a few tomorrow . You can see if it makes a difference. send me a private message with your address. ( start a conversation by clicking on my name)
Meanwhile....
try to think out of the box.... ( er, can )

does she like cheese? scrambled egg? deli meat ( just no sugar ham) human can of tuna?

Tried all those things.. routisserie chicken has been her “kitty crack” in the past... not today

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

what freeze dried do you have? Sometimes if you crumble something new on top, it will prime the pump.
Guess I'll include a few things that I have in the mail.
I hope she'll eat better tomorrow. I'm in NM so I'm not sure how fast it will get there. I will send it priority mail and maybe it will be 2 days , or 3.

 

[JanetMR]

what freeze dried do you have? Sometimes if you crumble something new on top, it will prime the pump.
Guess I'll include a few things that I have in the mail.
I hope she'll eat better tomorrow. I'm in NM so I'm not sure how fast it will get there. I will send it priority mail and maybe it will be 2 days , or 3.

I’ve tried that..freeze dried chicken dust on her food usually works as an enticement... not today

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

Hey there! And yes, Bubba ate less when he got into lower numbers than he was use to. But, then he soon picked up again because he is part hog. ( I should say part pig because it isn't a hog until 100 lbs. )

Have you tried some of the appy stimulates that are non drug? Sprinkling ground oregano on the food worked well with Bubba. Also, the all meat baby food was always a favorite ( I liked the Beech Nut as they use no corn starch for thickening and corn is bad for kitties and us for that matter. If Bella is only getting chicken and turkey cat food, try ham baby food. Bubba went nuts over it!

Also, low sodium tuna juice poured over the food is usually a winner at our house. And even giving some of the low sodium tuna fish to eat. Also, try poaching some chicken breast in a bit of water and cutting it up for her. If she doesn't go for it, blend it up to puree it. Sometimes a differnet consistency is what will get them to eat. For instances, I was feeding all ground raw food and he stopped eating it after a GI upset. To get him eating again, I tried chunk raw food and Bingo! He started eating again.

Sometime, Bonita flakes sprinkled over his food would get him going and sometimes it was Young Again Dry food crushed up on top of the food to get him going.

Florti Flora sprinkled on top.

If I am being redundant to what you've tried, I am sorry. Just getting back from Vacation and didn't go back and read all the post while I am gone.

I sympathize with the no eating thing. Nothing makes me more anxious and upset. Sending lots of eating vines.

 

[JanetMR]

Hey there! And yes, Bubba ate less when he got into lower numbers than he was use to. But, then he soon picked up again because he is part hog. ( I should say part pig because it isn't a hog until 100 lbs. )

Have you tried some of the appy stimulates that are non drug? Sprinkling ground oregano on the food worked well with Bubba. Also, the all meat baby food was always a favorite ( I liked the Beech Nut as they use no corn starch for thickening and corn is bad for kitties and us for that matter. If Bella is only getting chicken and turkey cat food, try ham baby food. Bubba went nuts over it!

Also, low sodium tuna juice poured over the food is usually a winner at our house. And even giving some of the low sodium tuna fish to eat. Also, try poaching some chicken breast in a bit of water and cutting it up for her. If she doesn't go for it, blend it up to puree it. Sometimes a differnet consistency is what will get them to eat. For instances, I was feeding all ground raw food and he stopped eating it after a GI upset. To get him eating again, I tried chunk raw food and Bingo! He started eating again.

Sometime, Bonita flakes sprinkled over his food would get him going and sometimes it was Young Again Dry food crushed up on top of the food to get him going.

Florti Flora sprinkled on top.

If I am being redundant to what you've tried, I am sorry. Just getting back from Vacation and didn't go back and read all the post while I am gone.

I sympathize with the no eating thing. Nothing makes me more anxious and upset. Sending lots of eating vines. [/QUOTE

A vacation!!
So jealous. I hope it was wonderful.!

I’ve tried most of your suggestions/ and
More
She’s not interested in Bonita flakes.
I boiled plain chicken breasts yesterday... wouldn’t touch them.
Tried baby food, tuna... etc etc.

I syringe fed her chicken baby food and then a half hour later she ate routisserie chicken on her own. Yeah ! hope it lasts.

The hard part is when you know you are doing all that YOU can... but have no control over the rest ( what she chooses to eat)
Thanks for the suggestions and support ..much appreciated

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

Yes, the first vacation for just me and DH in 4 years! Wonderful and anxiety over being away from the fur gang.

Keep retrying what you have. What didn't work yesterday, might tomorrow. Also, I would freeze cat food that was opened and wasn't being eating and tjaw retry later. It can get expensive if food is wasted.

Sending appy vines!

 

[JanetMR]

Yes, the first vacation for just me and DH in 4 years! Wonderful and anxiety over being away from the fur gang.

Keep retrying what you have. What didn't work yesterday, might tomorrow. Also, I would freeze cat food that was opened and wasn't being eating and tjaw retry later. It can get expensive if food is wasted.

Sending appy vines!

Great advice...especially about freezing cat food! Thanks

 

[Dyana]

Sending eating vines to your beautiful girl. I know how frustrating and worrying it is when they won't eat. I recently (about a year ago), had a compounding pharmacy send me some chicken flavored liquid cyproheptadine. Of course, by the time it arrived, Ginger was eating just fine (many $ at vets later). I hope your Bella is soon eating fine too I have spent so many days at grocery stores buying this and that and that and this hoping my cat would eat some of it. I know how you feel.

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

hopefully she will have some ondansetron in 2 or 3 days.... new mexico to va , priority mail

 

[Beth 73]

Yeah ,Janet , on successful syringe feed !!! How blessed Bella is to have you going thru all this for and with her . For my boys, the syringe feeding little by little almost always perks them up enuf that they will start to eat on their own AND makes me feel better to know a bit of food is getting in their bellies I’m praying she eats a bit more tonight and that you can get peaceful sleep and wake up to a Bella renewed appy

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

I recall, back when Trixie was having appy issues, Amy found that when she syringe fed a little food, Trixie realized that eating did not make her feel worse, and she ate some on her own. I totally get that. I know, after a night of over-indulgence in adult beverages, the thought and smell of food makes me want to head for the nearest restroom. However, I discovered that if I forced myself to eat a little, I actually felt better! Perhaps it's the same with cats.

I’ve used mirtazapine in the past ( I actually have some left over from a past loss of appetite experience with Bella )as I understand it, if you have a cat with nausea issues, an appetite stimulant is contraindicated. Is that correct?

It is correct. If she is turning away from food and smacking her lips, she is nauseated, and that has to be addressed before giving a stimulant. However, if she is just turning away, without the smacking or visible evidence of nausea (and maybe if you've given Cerenia), then it might just be that she finds no appeal in the food and the stimulant might work. All this requires a great deal of attention on your part, and at this point you might be too exhausted for it. I used to give the Cerenia (or Ondansetron, or both) then wait two hours and give the Cypro. Worked most of the time.

I did find, when the Cerenia seemed to no longer be helping, that giving both Ondansetron and Cerenia did the trick. Hopefully, when Rhiannon's package arrives, you will find the same. I would try the Ondansetron on its own first, and if that doesn't work, give both. It is safe to give both together. You can give up to 4 mg of Ondansetron a day. For my cats, 1/4 of a Cerenia tablet and 2 mg of Ondansetron was the key, but ECID.

Sending more appy vines, as well as lot of s for Bella's stressed-out bean.

 

[Kathy and TiTi]

She had lost weight. What worked for her was feeding her what she wanted every three to four hours small amounts.. usually 1tbs - 1 ounce
Sometimes the way things are written come across as criticism.. especially to a burnt out caretaker

I know that burnt out condition. It's so hard, especially when your DH is no longer able to be hopeful. You're doing a good job, and it does not yet look hopeless to me. Get some sleep, try to relax -maybe some wine?
hugs